Melksham’s big switch on is this weekend!

THE countdown to Christmas has begun and Melksham kicks off the festive season this Saturday with the switching on of the Christmas lights.

Excitement is building and there is a buzz around the town as people look forward to seeing what marvels the Melksham Christmas Lights team has created this year.

Before the big switch on, the Christmas Fayre will take place in the Market Place and Assembly Hall from 2pm until 5pm.

This year there will be over 70 stalls hosted by local groups and businesses. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a few Christmas gifts whilst also supporting local causes like Dorothy House, the Royal Air Forces Association, the Lions Club and the Royal United Hospital.

Father Christmas

There will be hot food and drinks and mulled wine to keep you warm, and a barbecue at the Art House Cafe. Throughout the afternoon there will be  exciting activities for the children and a chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto. Entertainment throughout the afternoon will be provided by Melksham Music and Drama (MMAD) and popular local singing duo, the Decibelles.

Melksham’s Christmas lights,  which are expected to be bigger and better than ever, will be officially switched on at 5pm.

Terrific support

Alan Weymouth from the Christmas Lights Group said, “Once again we have had a terrific response from the town’s trading and business sector who we thank. I’m sure they will not be disappointed with this year’s lighting and we hope it will attract extra business to our town for them.

“I would like to take the opportunity to publicly thank the efforts of so many people who work hard to make this all happen, you know who you are.

“It would be remiss of me not to mention the incredible efforts of Paul Weymouth for his exceptional lighting ideas and the skills to make them work and to his sidekick young Graham Fryer, both of whom’s commitment, dedication and enthusiasm wears me out just thinking about it.

“Dear Roy Bowen would be so proud of what he started 25 years ago, we know from all the kind comments we receive that our community is also proud and so am I.

“As the whole event is run entirely by volunteers, there will be plenty of opportunities to donate to the Christmas Lights Group so they can continue to make Melksham such a brilliant place at Christmas.”

Free parking

Entry to the event is free and parking throughout Melksham on Saturday 5th December will also be free. A road closure will be in place covering the entire Market Place and High Street up to the Parson’s Nose between 4pm and 6pm. This is to allow for the huge numbers of people that gather to see the spectacular lights switched on, so please be aware that there will be no vehicular access to the Market Place, Church Street (including the car park) or the High Street  during that time.

Traffic will be able to exit the area but not enter once the road closure is in place.

• Organisers ask those hoping to visit Santa’s Grotto to be aware that queues will unfortunately have to be closed at 3.45pm to ensure that everyone waiting can be seen – plus Santa needs to feed his reindeers before it gets too dark. 

They apologise if this causes any inconvenience or disappointment, but they have to help Santa as this is a very busy time of the year for him.